In Velia, we will be joined by archeologist Francesca Mermati, a specialist in both Velia and Cuma. She is a doctoral candidate at the University of Naples Federico II in Naples.

In Ascea, we will discuss development in the Campania region with Salvatore Farace of the Faculty of Political Economy at the University of Salerno. In Florence, we will talk with economists Rossella Bardazzi and Maurizio Grassini of the University of Florence about the origins and expansion of the European Union and about the creation of the euro.

Almon works in building computer-based models of the economy and through this work met Grassini and had extensive contacts and experiences in Italy which make this course possible. Leone has worked on the archaeology of Annapolis and is particularly interested in how archaeology contributes to our self image. It should perhaps be admitted that they also share a taste for Italian cooking and that they delight in watching students discover the things they themselves love.

Clopper Almon, veteran of seven previous trips, does this trip for the fun of it.

Francesca Mermati (right) explains ancient baths to Debby and Katie in what may have been the women's section of the Hellenistic bath at Velia.

The course will be led by Lois Vietri of the Government and Politics Department and by Mark Leone of the Anthropology Department at the University of Maryland. Clopper Almon, originator of the course and professor of economics, emeritus, may be along for part of the course.

Mark P. Leone, veteran of one previous trip, is in charge of the archaeoloby in Annapolis program.